Children (and a few of the young at heart) from all over Henderson County seemed unfazed by Saturday’s cool temperatures, especially when they heard the word “Go!” at the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department’s annual Easter Egg Hunt held at the former Franklin-Wilkins Airport. Hunters received treats and prizes as well as a chance to visit with the Easter Bunny. Children also enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt inside Everett Horn Library (bottom right) as part of area Easter activities last week. Photos by Erin Elliott and Everett Horn Library
Lexington Alderman, and former Police Commissioner Peggy Gilbert was arrested on domestic assault charges Friday night, according to an incident report filed with the Lexington Police Department. According to the report, officers responded to a domestic call at 55 Brown Street around 7:30 p.m. Friday. An officer spoke with the victim who “said she had been assaulted by her grandmother following a verbal dispute.” The officer’s investigation determined that Gilbert, 65, of 90 Helms Street, “to be the primary aggressor.” Gilbert was placed under arrest, charged with simple domestic assault and transported to the Henderson County Jail. The report states that the victim, an adult, later sought treatment at Henderson County Community Hospital, but no information on the existence or extend of injury was available. Gilbert was booked under the name Willie E. Gilbert, creating some initial confusion. LPD Commander Jeff Middleton said he did not know whether Willie or Peggy was Gilbert’s legal name. Once booked, Gilbert was housed in a room separate from the female inmates for the 12-hour minimum stay for the domestic charge. Henderson County Sheriff Brian Duke said he has fielded questions about the decision and that he takes full responsibility for that decision. “Alderman Roy Woods also asked about that decision,” Duke said, “and like I told him, I have a responsibility for the safety of everyone, inmate and officer, in the jail and I wasn’t willing to take the risk of putting an alderman and police commissioner in a cell with people who had been arrested by LPD officers. It wasn’t a decision made to show preferential treatment, but to minimize the risk of harm.” Gilbert e-mailed a statement about the incident yesterday. “I regret the incident that happened this weekend. I appreciate the support that I have received during this very difficult time. I want to thank the Lexington Police Dept. for their professionalism, they did what they had to do,” Gilbert said. Gilbert was released without bond pending her court appearance.
